Hanger technology

ABSTRACT

A clamping hanger for slidably coupling a shower curtain to a hanging rod. The hanger comprises a sliding connector portion adapted for slidable coupling to and along a rod. The sliding connector portion is a loop with a predetermined body width, and a predetermined body length. The body forms a central cylindrical region, having a longitudinal axis, and the rod is operatively disposed in the cylindrical region. A clamping connector portion is unitarily constructed with the sliding connector portion, and adapted for engaging a sheet. The clamping connector has first and second mating portions between which a portion of the sheet is disposed in operation. The clamping connector portion extends radially away, a predetermined distance from the sliding connector portion. The first and second mating portions have a mating face. The mating faces of the mating portions have at least two mating elements having predetermined complementary geometries. The mating elements of each mating face are disposed a different distance from the sliding connector portion axis. The clamp also has a screw for moving the first and second mating portions toward each other for grasping the portion of the sheet. The screw is disposed through apertures in the first and second mating portions of the clamping connector portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/353,782, filed Feb. 5, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates, generally, to clamps and hangers. More particularly, the invention relates to clamps and hangers for thin, flexible materials such as sheets, curtain, drapes, and the like. Most particularly, the invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for holding and hanging shower curtains and the like. The features and aspects of the invention can also be used in other fields.

[0006] 2. Background Information

[0007] The apparatus and method of the invention have use with common shower curtain rods or telescoping rod systems as a support for the shower curtain. As a support for the curtain it offers protection to the curtain from tearing. Referring to FIG. 3, a common, prior art means of hanging a shower curtain 13 or shower curtain liner (not shown) is a shower curtain rod 15 and shower curtain hook 12. The rods are made of wood, plastic or steel, with typically round cross-section and continuous length. There are telescoping steel shower curtain rods and unique “built in” shower hanging “tracks” using roller systems. Common shower curtains are made from a waterproof material such as rubber, vinyl or other plastic materials. Some curtains are made of decorative, but not waterproof, cloth. Such cloth shower curtains are typically combined with a plastic, rubber or vinyl liner. The system element that joins the curtains to the curtain rod is typically a “curtain hook”. The common curtain hook is known to have problems with tearing 14 of the shower curtain or liner, typically at or near the area of the curtain hanging hole or aperture 20.

[0008] Many people open or close the shower curtain by pulling the curtain leading edge 21. When pulling the edge some portion of the force vector is downward. Repeated downward pulling in time finds one or more levels of force that exceed the material physical strength and the curtains begins to tear at the first hanging hole. Many curtains are reinforced 22 in this hole region of the curtain. Despite best intentions most curtains eventually fail at the hanging hole due to tensile material failure. Most failures are at the first or leading end hole location.

[0009] Existing shower curtain hanging technology, in general, comprises U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,277,865; 4,308,637; 5170,974; 5402,842; 6,148,452; and 6,189,597.

[0010] This technology is believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings. For these and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention.

[0011] All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0012] The present invention provides an shower curtain hanger apparatus, system, method of making the apparatus, and method of using the apparatus, which are practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and which are believed to fulfil a need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology.

[0013] The clamp apparatus can be used as a single hanger and as a hanging system including a plurality of hangers, to protect a shower curtain and/or shower curtain liners from tears in the hanging holes provided by the manufacturer of the curtain for the purpose of appending the curtain to the rod as described above. All these materials are low cost and tear in time at the hanger locations.

[0014] The use of the clamp, or a plurality of clamps, will prevent the tearing of a simple one piece shower curtain. The invention for a two part liner with cloth curtain installation will prevent tearing of both the liner and the outer fabric curtain. The clamp does not harm the curtain and supports about 18 pounds of force. In contrast conventional loose hook system tear curtains at a load of about 15 pounds.

[0015] In one embodiment, the invention provides a hanger comprising a sliding connector portion adapted for slidable coupling to a rod; a clamping connector portion, connected to the sliding connector portion, and adapted for engaging a sheet, the clamping connector having at least first and second mating portions between which a portion of the sheet is disposed in operation; and a fastener for moving the first and second mating portions toward each other for grasping the portion of the sheet.

[0016] The features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0017]FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the clamp apparatus of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the clamp.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a common shower curtain arrangement with a prior art hanger.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shower curtain with the clamp of this invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of the clamp of this invention in one mode.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clamp of the present invention operatively coupled to a common shower curtain rod and shower curtain.

[0023]FIG. 7 is an end view of a portion of the clamp shown in FIG. 6.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of the clamp of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a side view of the clamp shown in FIG. 8.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a side view of one mode of the clamp shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention operatively coupled to a telescoping-type shower curtain rod.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a view of a portion of FIG. 11.

[0029]FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of the clamp shown in FIG. 11.

[0030]FIG. 14 is a front view of a portion of the clamp shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Multiple embodiments of the invention are shown. The embodiments described are intended to be illustrative and not to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed. The embodiments are chosen and described so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it.

[0032] Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, a preferred embodiment of the hanger or clamp 30 of the present invention comprises a sliding connector portion for engaging a rod such as a curtain rod or bar, a clamping portion for engaging a sheet such as a shower curtain, and a fastener for moving operating clamping portion. The clamp 30 is preferably made of one piece of injection molded plastic. As is best shown in FIG. 5, the clamp 30 comprises a sliding connector loop portion 1 and clamping end portions 31 and 32. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the initially straight loop portion 1 is folded over so that the loop end portions 31 and 32 are next to each other and are connected via a fastener, preferably screw 4 disposed in apertures 33 and 34. The screw 4 is preferably stainless steel with threads 5 and oval head. The screw 4 may be self tapping. The folded configuration forms the top loop region 1 with a central aperture for mating with a rod, bar or the like, and a bottom clamp region having a distal (or bottom most) sub-region formed by preferably three sets of male-type protrusions 6, 7 and 8 and female-type valleys 9, 10 and 11, that mate or nest with one another, and a proximal (or top most) sub-region having a single set of mating male and female elements 2 and 3. The number of elements 6-11 may be varied. The clamp engages a flat, sheet like member such as a curtain, shower curtain, shower curtain liner, or the like. The preferred clamp material is a plastic such as Nylon, Styrene, or ABS and is manufactured preferably using injection molding process.

[0033] This clamp 30 design permits plastic molding as a means to manufacture. The clamp 30 is preferably molded in a flat form. Doing this would require use of living hinge concept to go from straight loops shown in FIG. 5 to the round loops of FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the clamp 30 can be manufactured of other flexible materials such as wood, metals, or composites. These other materials would require different manufacturing methods.

[0034] The clamp 30 can be used in different ways. The clamp may be used strictly as a friction holder of a sheet. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the clamping screw 4 may pass through the curtain hanging hole 20. When this happens the curtain 13 will be gripped in both distal and proximal clamps. The ability to distribute the load over a larger area now raises the load required to cause failure in the curtain. When applied in this manner, the curtain failure force level is dramatically increased. The load to failure with the clamp used in this format was 50% greater than conventional loose hook hanger system.

[0035] Screw 4 creates two or more levels of compressive pressure within the clamp 30. The multi-pressure regions are distal and proximal. The proximal pressure is between elements 2 and 3. The distal pressure is between mating elements 8 and 9, 7 and 10, and 6 and 11. The force at the distal end of the clamp 30 is lightest between first male elements 8 and first female element 9. The first or distal most clamp 8 to 9 has lower pounds per square inch (PSI) because of lower forces, and more contact area versus proximal most elements 2 and 3. The proximal clamp is designed to obtain maximum PSI using less area than the distal clamp elements. The proximal clamp preferred design is a single male protrusion 2 mating with a single female valley 3 and in close proximity to clamping screw 4.

[0036] The clamp has an advantage over conventional, prior art hook because of increased surface area of contact between curtain sheet or drape and it's hanger. The invention can protect the curtain should the user pull hard on the curtain to close or during some other operation such as cleaning. Large forces can be absorbed or the curtain can slip from the friction grip system, thus protecting the curtain sheet or drape from permanent destruction in the form of a torn hook hole.

[0037] The clamp 30 of this invention has general utility with flat sheet like materials like curtains or windows in addition to common shower curtains used to keep water within the shower stall. The clamp has other applications such as holding or controlling tubing sets and attaching on a sheet or drape in an operating room setting. Flexible tubing could pass through loop 1 and clamp elements 6,7,8,9,10, and 11 could grip to sheet or sterile drape.

[0038] The clamp 30 of this invention teaches away from having a small area of contact with round holes and substantially round section hanging hooks and toward a large area of contact and use of friction force to attach curtain sheet or drape. The clamp of the invention allows the user to adjust the clamping force and thus the net holding force for the curtain, sheet or drape. This is an advantage if a user accidentally exerts a large force, the clamp has the potential to let the curtain, sheet or drape slip out of the clamp without damaging the curtain, sheet or drape. The clamp of the invention allows a curtain, sheet or drape to be hung without need for any holes. Because this invention does not use the holes to support the curtain, sheet or drape, it can be used to hang a curtain, sheet or drape with torn holes or no holes at all at the leading edge. Because the invention does not require holes it can allow lower cost of fabrication of curtains and may lend itself to more home made or do-it-yourself shower curtains. Finally, the clamp of the invention provides a means to support attachments to a flat curtain, sheet or drape like elements. In a surgical setting many wire and tubing sets are placed about the subject body and the loop 1 can control the location by attaching the distal clamp to the sheet or drape.

[0039] FIGS. 6-14 show alternative embodiments of a mechanism that supports the curtain and or liner by gripping the curtain using friction force instead of rings through the hanging holes. A first format is the leading edge module shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the second is general support module FIGS. 8-10. Neither format requires holes in the curtain or liner to perform the operation of hanging the curtain to a curtain rod. The best result is expected using the two formats together, however one can envision degrees of success using all of one format or all of the other format.

[0040] FIGS. 6-9 shows curtain 100, a typical hanging hole 102 in the curtain provided by the manufacturer, a common curtain hanging hook 103, the rear mating profile 104, the front mating profile 106, the leading support loop 106, the trailing support loop 107, a pair of tensioning screws 108, rib 109, pull cord 110, handle 111, curtain rod 112, the rear panel 113, the front panel 114, rear contact 115, and front contact 116.

[0041] The device is deployed by slipping over curtain rod 112 after spreading front 114 and rear 113 panels open to pass over the diameter of the rod 112. The curtain 100 is slipped between mating profiles 104 and 105 and then tensioning screws 108 are inserted and tightened to desired pressure. The device can have optional pull cord 110 and pull cord handle 111. These are installed and cut to length by installer. Loops 106 and 107 provide support and absorb all vertical force from pull cord during closing. As tensioning screw 108 is tightened, front contact 116 and rear contact 115 are compressed. With further tightening of tensioning screw 108 force is directed along surfaces of front mating profile 105 and rear mating profile 104. This gripping action is both firm and distributed over vast area when compared to the contact area of conventional system shown with hook 103. The leading edge module has a large area to support the curtain. The rib 109 provides stiffness to gain uniform force to mating profiles 104 and 105. The rib 109 also provides a location to support a pull cord 110 for closing and opening the curtain 100.

[0042]FIG. 7 is a view of the working of the mating profiles 104 and 105 during clamping and the potential for adjusting the clamping force by adjusting tension screws 108.

[0043] The general support module is a narrow version of the leading edge module as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The new elements are thread 126 and clearance hole and 125. Other elements are substantially similar to those of leading edge module described above. Both clearance hole 125 and thread 126 are essential and supporting elements for the tensioning screws 108. The general support module uses friction and larger area to support the curtain in the same fashion as described above for the leading edge module. The general support module has less area of support because this region of the curtain need to resist less downward force to support a curtain.

[0044] FIGS. 11-14 show variations for improving the performance of the inside diameter sliding surface of the loops 106 and 107 on a telescoping curtain rod 117. FIG. 11, shows outside rod 117, inside rod 118, rod end 119, transition step 120, rib at 2:00 o'clock position 121, rib at 12:00 position 123, and rib ramp 122. A typical telescoping rod 117 is shown with outside rod 119 and inside rod 118. A curtain hook would normally get caught on transition 120 located at rod end 119. The addition of elements or shaping loops 106 with ramps 122 to allow loop to slide easily over transition 120 solves this use problem. A preferred approach would be to add a few ribs 121 at locations such as shown 2:00 o'clock, 12:00 o'clock and not shown 10:00 o'clock.

[0045]FIG. 13 is a view of the centerline cross-section of the leading edge module shown with a telescoping curtain rod. The ramp 122 has been built into loop 127. The ramp 127 needs to be higher than typical transition 120 as shown.

[0046]FIG. 14 shows the case where the loops might be joined 128, but still function as two separate loops due to the distinct contact points 132. The ramps 127 function to lift leading and trailing contacts 132 over transition 120. In this view protruding male friction element 130 and recessed female friction element 131 are shown in plan view.

[0047] Although the apparatus and method has been described in connection with the field of shower curtains, it can readily be appreciated that it is not limited solely to such field, and can be used in other fields.

[0048] The descriptions above and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the limited sense. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment or embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hanger, comprising: a. a sliding connector portion adapted for slidable coupling to a rod; b. a clamping connector portion, connected to the sliding connector portion, and adapted for engaging a sheet, the clamping connector having at least first and second mating portions between which a portion of the sheet is disposed in operation; and c. a fastener for moving the first and second mating portions toward each other for grasping the portion of the sheet.
 2. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the sliding connector portion is a loop with a predetermined body width, a predetermined body length, and the body forming a central cylindrical region, having a longitudinal axis, and the rod being operatively disposed in the cylindrical region.
 3. The hanger of claim 2, wherein the loop has a curvilinear configuration.
 4. The hanger of claim 2, wherein the clamping connector portion has a predetermined length and extends radially away, a predetermined distance from the sliding connector portion.
 5. The hanger of claim 4, wherein the first and second mating portions has a mating face which is adapted for mating with the mating face of the other mating portion.
 6. The hanger of claim 5, wherein the mating face of the first mating portion has at least one mating element having a predetermined geometry and the mating face of the second mating portion has at least one mating element having a predetermined geometry which is complementary to the predetermined geometry of the mating element of the mating face of the first mating portion.
 7. The hanger of claim 6, wherein the mating element geometry of the first mating portion is female type and the mating element geometry of the second mating portion is male type, and the mating elements mate when operatively arranged.
 8. The hanger of claim 7, wherein the male and female geometries have a curvilinear configuration.
 9. The hanger of claim 6, wherein the each mating portion has at least two mating elements, each mating element of each mating portion being disposed a different distance from the sliding connector portion axis.
 10. The hanger of claim 9, wherein one mating element of each mating portion is disposed immediately adjacent to the cylindrical region of the sliding connector portion.
 11. The hanger of claim 9, wherein one mating element of each mating portion is disposed adjacent to a distal end of the mating portion.
 12. The hanger of claim 9, wherein each mating portion has four mating elements, one mating element being disposed immediately adjacent to the cylindrical region of the sliding connector portion, and second, third and fourth mating elements being disposed at progressively greater distances from the cylindrical region central axis, the fourth mating element being disposed adjacent a distal end of the mating portion.
 13. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the mating faces form at least one gap region between each other when operatively disposed.
 14. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a screw which engages the first and second mating portion.
 15. The hanger of claim 1, wherein first and second portions further have apertures, disposed a predetermined distance from the axis through which the fastener is operatively disposed.
 16. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the sliding connector portion and the clamping connector portion are formed of a unitary piece of material constructed of flexible plastic, and wherein the first mating portion is connected to a first end of the sliding connector portion and the second mating portion is connected to a second end of the sliding connector portion.
 17. The hanger of claim 16, wherein the unitary piece of material is formed by injecting molding.
 18. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the sliding connector portion comprises a first member connected to the clamping connector portion and a separate, second member connected to the clamping connector portion.
 19. A clamping hanger, comprising: a. a sliding connector portion adapted for slidable coupling to and along a rod, the sliding connector portion being a loop with a predetermined body width, a predetermined body length, and the body forming a central cylindrical region, having a longitudinal axis, and the rod being operatively disposed in the cylindrical region; b. a clamping connector portion, connected to the sliding connector portion, and adapted for engaging a sheet, the clamping connector having at least first and second mating portions between which a portion of the sheet is disposed in operation, the clamping connector portion having a predetermined length and extending radially away, a predetermined distance from the sliding connector portion, the first and second mating portions having a mating face which is adapted for mating with the mating face of the other mating portion, the mating face of the first mating portion having at least two mating elements having predetermined geometries and the mating face of the second mating portion having at least two mating elements having predetermined geometries which are complementary to the predetermined geometries of the mating elements of the mating face of the first mating portion, the at least two mating elements of each mating face being disposed a different distance from the sliding connector portion axis, and one mating element of each mating portion being disposed immediately adjacent to the cylindrical region of the sliding connector portion; and c. a fastener for moving the first and second mating portions toward each other for grasping the portion of the sheet.
 20. A clamping hanger for coupling a sheet of material to a rod, comprising: a. a sliding connector portion adapted for slidable coupling to and along a rod, the sliding connector portion being a loop with a predetermined body width, a predetermined body length, and the body forming a central cylindrical region, having a longitudinal axis, and the rod being operatively disposed in the cylindrical region; b. a clamping connector portion, unitarily constructed with the sliding connector portion, and adapted for engaging a sheet, the clamping connector having at least first and second mating portions between which a portion of the sheet is disposed in operation, the clamping connector portion having a predetermined length and extending radially away, a predetermined distance from the sliding connector portion, the first and second mating portions having a mating face which is adapted for mating with the mating face of the other mating portion, the mating face of the first mating portion having at least two mating elements having predetermined geometries and the mating face of the second mating portion having at least two mating elements having predetermined geometries which are complementary to the predetermined geometries of the mating elements of the mating face of the first mating portion, the at least two mating elements of each mating face being disposed a different distance from the sliding connector portion axis; and c. a screw for moving the first and second mating portions toward each other for grasping the portion of the sheet, the screw being disposed through apertures in the first and second mating portions of the clamping connector portion. 